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It feels really great to understand most of the dialogue now that you rewatch it with subs.

Spoiler for more thoughts on episode 04:

Itís quite a surprise to discover that Shin was the one that Ďhooked upí Ai-chan and Miyokichi together (if that wasnít a joke). Ai-chan is getting more likeable in my eyes (her voice is starting to grow a bit sadder and melancholic). Noe has a nice way of cleansing peopleís worthless tears (Shin totally deserved it). And talking about Shin, this episode probably marked the point where he might start looking new options other than Hiromi, but Iím not sure if he would be able to do that.

Itís strange to see Shin giving the cold shoulder to Hiromi when the opposite was happening for the first three episodes. He, however, cannot simply stop thinking about her if you consider the sweater he was choosing for Ai-chan (almost exactly the same to the one Hiromi is wearing). And well, Hiromi is an enigma in every sense of the word. Whatís going on through her head? What is she trying to say? Why is she about to cry? But it was really nice to see her laughing at the end (something i didn't know she could do ).

Quote:

Originally Posted by cloudninja

About part of the above (I snipped the rest)

Spoiler:

I think the reason started in episode 2 although she did'nt actually decide to open up until episode 3. The catalyst was seeing Noe making her move by waving to Shinichiro during her PE class and everyone on that side of the building saw it. Afterwards Hiromi sees Noe waiting for and then talking to Shinichiro in front of his class. Later in episode 2 while playing basketball, Hiromi flashbacked to when she was a child crying and saying "Shinichiro, where are you? Don't leave me alone." Then in the current time, she thinks to herself "I...what do I want to do?" I think she was having these thoughts because she saw Noe with Shinichiro, prompting her to consider taking action on her feelings. Right after the flashback, Noe has a talk with her where she tells Hiromi that she knows Hiromi dislikes her and did'nt really want to be her friend before walking off. Hiromi later admits to Shinichiro that she was lying about wanting to be Noe's friend and that she was amazed Noe could see through her.

In episode 3 Shinichiro and Hiromi get a little friendlier during the nighttime delivery of the alcohol Shinichiro's mom wanted delivered. He asked her if she remembered the time when she cried after she got lost on this road. She pretended to not remember but she does. Later after getting home she thinks back to that time when she ended up holding hands with Shinichiro as they walked back, both of them wearing only one sandal because he felt bad about his prank causing her to cry and lose one sandal as she ran looking for him. I think he had run off and hid until she caught up before jumping out to surprise her. It was more of the same memory flashback she had in episode 2, this time she was crying and calling out "Don't leave me alone. Don't leave me behind, Shinichiro-kun". As they walked back hand in hand with only one sandal each, she has a somewhat ambiguous expression, my guess somewhere in between being content and happy. In that memory she initially felt scared and abandoned but happy in the end as she realized that Shinichiro did'nt abandon her. In the present she thinks "It was all sealed when it was decided I was to live in this house". She is probably referring to the feelings she probably already had for him since they were children. Then she says to herself "Don't leave me alone, huh?"

I think that part is not only something she said in the past but is something that applies to the present as well because she sees someone possibly taking Shinichiro away from her. It would'nt surprise me at all if she saw the current situation as something similar in that if Shinichiro becomes someone else's boyfriend he will be lost to her. As a prediction on my part if it is a Hiromi-Shinichiro ending I think her relationship with Shinichiro might play out in a similar course where she feels abandoned as Shinichiro "goes out" with Noe and Aiko and she feels great heartache. But then they end up together once Shinichiro understands how much he is hurting Hiromi after realizing how she feels about him. It would make a nice grown-up parallel of what happened when they were younger.

She can either do nothing and let someone take him or take action herself. At this point she is reconsidering her past decision to seal her thoughts and feelings. The next morning she greets him cheerfully with a smile which I think is a breakthrough because she was previously only shown being reserved and distant to Shinichiro, especially at home. To me it seems like she had been thinking a lot since episode 2 and from what I saw she decided to start opening up to Shinichiro.

Spoiler for response:

You are making good points, but I donít see our ideas coming to an agreement anytime soon. For example, I donít find the quote ďWhat do I want to doĒ as something prompting her to act, but quite the opposite, an indication that she is not sure of what she is trying to do (whether or not it is indeed concerning Shin). However, I reckon the fact she might be referring to her present situation as well, but that, in my opinion, doesnít quite explain her sudden change of personality. Iím aware it happened the night before and right after having a conversation with Shin, but I cannot come across with any motives at all for doing soóand I donít think something along the lines of ďItís time to be nice to himĒ would work either. On the other hand, if she wants to take action, why she keeps Ďavoidingí the question concerning her feelings for him? Hiromi is not really that confident or strong-willed in order to pursue matters any further. I consider the situation very ambiguous, thatís why I donít clearly find her true intentions (not what happened) for opening up anywhere thus far.

I tend to think that Aiko is genuinely conflicted and her feelings towards Shin is the classic "grass is greener on the other side" response.

I think Aiko does like Nobuse but feels he's somewhat immature and thus isn't willing to accept him quite yet. If and when Nobuse proves himself to be worthy, I think her wavering will die down.

Aiko knows she doesn't have much of a chance with Shin and chose to move on. Not sure when Hiromi will do the same, but #4 (Jun) is surely not a bad choice. Most people don't end up with their first love, but it's also true that the vast majority of the time, it's for the better.

I tend to think that Aiko is genuinely conflicted and her feelings towards Shin is the classic "grass is greener on the other side" response.

I think Aiko does like Nobuse but feels he's somewhat immature and thus isn't willing to accept him quite yet. If and when Nobuse proves himself to be worthy, I think her wavering will die down.

Aiko knows she doesn't have much of a chance with Shin and chose to move on. Not sure when Hiromi will do the same, but #4 (Jun) is surely not a bad choice. Most people don't end up with their first love, but it's also true that the vast majority of the time, it's for the better.

actually, Aiko is waiting for Shin to become available. You can tell her she was hinting him that with time he will forget during their "shopping date". That is why she was kind of sad when he saw him With Noe, as long as he has someone in his life, Aiko won't make a move for him and she will keep "dating" nobuse!

It is amazing the difference in enthusiasm that she shows between the "dates" with shin and the dates with Nobuse. I applaud the director of the show, because he showed us the difference within the same episode. She enjoys herself completely when she is with Shin, but she is always distant with Nobuse. It is like Valantine day "obligation Chocolate" between Aiko and Nobuse. I hope we get a flashback on how Aiko got herself in this trouble.

This series has that special indefinable something that makes it worms its way into your consciousness and set up house there. On the surface things seem pretty straightforward, but there's such an amazing current of emotional energy running underneath, like a lava flow waiting to break the surface. It keeps you on the edge of your seat almost as if this were a suspense drama.

Animation was really beautiful in ep 4, I thought. There was a moment when Noe turned and faced the screen that could have come straight from Miyazaki.

actually, Aiko is waiting for Shin to become available. You can tell her she was hinting him that with time he will forget during their "shopping date". That is why she was kind of sad when he saw him With Noe, as long as he has someone in his life, Aiko won't make a move for him and she will keep "dating" nobuse!

Ah yes that may be true, though i'm betting we'll see something that'll make her forgot all that, and just go for it. It's quite possibly the best thing that could happen for her character in this series, though there are plenty of other ways.

Thinking about it, Shin has Hiromi on the brain, and now being asked to go out with Noe --- i can't see anytime soon when Shin is going to be free, especially in the limited time we have in this series. Something has to happen so Aiko will confess her feelings, and it'll have to be soon.

Ah yes that may be true, though i'm betting we'll see something that'll make her forgot all that, and just go for it. It's quite possibly the best thing that could happen for her character in this series, though there are plenty of other ways.

Thinking about it, Shin has Hiromi on the brain, and now being asked to go out with Noe --- i can't see anytime soon when Shin is going to be free, especially in the limited time we have in this series. Something has to happen so Aiko will confess her feelings, and it'll have to be soon.

One of the scenarios I can see for the AikoxShinxNobuse is:
In the future Aiko will break up with Nobuse. She probably will not give him a definite reason. Nobuse will lash at shin, because it is obvious that Nobuse knows Aiko likes Shin. Shin will confront Aiko on why she broke up with nobuse and she will finally confess. That is the only way I see the truth coming out.

My anger/hatred towards Hiromi has nearly completely disappeared. I feel sorry for the damn girl. She is being raised up in an environment that hates/neglects her. It's not a subconscious negative feeling that she is receiving from her environment, but rather a conscious one and she is reminded of it daily. The person that has captured my hatred completely is Shin's mom. She is the one causing torment not only to herself but to all those around her. Kind of like if she isn't happy, she has to make everyone be unhappy along with her.

And Noe is really impressive. even though she acts immature she has a mature rational. Seems like in ep 5 Shin's mom will make it clear and obvious she doesn't want Hiromi near Shin.

I don't think Ai and Nobuse will break up. I'm sure some drama will happen but their relationship will most likely happen. For being supposed couples they haven't done much. But you can tell during that scene where they held hands there was a spark of feelings of some sort, not just from Nobuse but form Ai too. I'm sure Ai will slowly see the good characteristics in Nobuse.

I don't think Ai and Nobuse will break up. I'm sure some drama will happen but their relationship will most likely happen. For being supposed couples they haven't done much. But you can tell during that scene where they held hands there was a spark of feelings of some sort, not just from Nobuse but form Ai too. I'm sure Ai will slowly see the good characteristics in Nobuse.

I really wouldn't mind the NobusexAiko pairing to work, as long as aiko tells shin her feelings even if she gets rejected. Then she can move on to Nobuse. Lingering feelings will just help to separate Aiko and Nobuse, there will always be the "what if" for Aiko if she never express her feelings.

I said it before, the director on purpose this time shows us Both side of the triangle separate instead of together. The difference in mood from Aiko when she is with Shin than when she is with Nobuse is like day and night!

It would be taking a step backward for Aiko to make a move on Shin in my opinion.

She already decided to move on, for better or for worse. And personally I think it was the right one.

As for Hiromi, I do feel sorry for her but feel Shin is the wrong guy for her. She's starting from behind and it usually takes more than just feelings to overcome the obstacles before her. It's probably better to make a fresh start and see how things go... though if Noe really isn't interested in Shin, that gives Hiromi the opening she needs.

I like the compatibility vs. feelings theme in this show - in real life, it's usually easier to generate feelings from compatibility than the reverse. Let's see if the characters play the percentages and we see Shin x Noe, Nobuse x Aiko, and Jun X Hiromi.

It would be taking a step backward for Aiko to make a move on Shin in my opinion.

She already decided to move on, for better or for worse. And personally I think it was the right one.

As for Hiromi, I do feel sorry for her but feel Shin is the wrong guy for her. She's starting from behind and it usually takes more than just feelings to overcome the obstacles before her. It's probably better to make a fresh start and see how things go... though if Noe really isn't interested in Shin, that gives Hiromi the opening she needs.

I like the compatibility vs. feelings theme in this show - in real life, it's usually easier to generate feelings from compatibility than the reverse. Let's see if the characters play the percentages and we see Shin x Noe, Nobuse x Aiko, and Jun X Hiromi.

Yes, Aiko is pretty much a done deal the more I watch her situation. It does bother me that she has to settle, I really like the bright and cheerful Aiko, the one that shows up when she is with Shin. Aiko doesn't seem to enjoy herself when she is with Nobuse, it was made pretty clear in the difference between the two "dates". I wonder what did Nobuse and Aiko ended doing, everything nobuse was suggesting she didn't feel like doing. Plus I still feel sad for what she told Shin during their "shopping date" and the sad way she said it the second time " You didn't have to.."

I'm still hoping for Shin x Hiromi, though I suppose that puts me in the minority. I just don't see Noe filling that role in his life, and I've always had a soft spot for the damaged, tragic heroines like Hiromi. There's something quite tender and beautiful in the way Shin longs to protect Hiromi when he sees the way his mother treats her.

I like the compatibility vs. feelings theme in this show - in real life, it's usually easier to generate feelings from compatibility than the reverse. Let's see if the characters play the percentages and we see Shin x Noe, Nobuse x Aiko, and Jun X Hiromi.

I don't know... it seems to me to be pretty clear that all three girls have the hots for Shin at various levels, so it really is just a love square in disguise; in fact it's probably not disguised at all.

At first I thought this show was going to be like Kimikiss with more than one lead male protagonists, but after a few episodes it's clear that Nobuse isn't playing an equal to Shin at all. And as for Number 4, while certainly a hottie (), I don't see him as taking extra screen time any time soon.

Nobuse might end up with Aiko in the end or he might not, I have no clue, but their drama will be a sideshow to Shin's love problems I think, considering the story focus so far.

Also, I know there's a debate and nothing's been said conclusively, but I didn't doubt for a moment that Hiromi likes Shin. Why are people getting the impression that she likes "Number 4," like, seriously? I mean, this is anime romance. The signs are pretty easy to read, really, and all signs point towards her lovin' on the osananajimi boy. After we're treated with cold Hiromi in episode 1, the show's been nothing but Hiromi opening up; her jealousy at Noe is well portrayed; the "revelation" about "Number 4" was obviously a lie; the reaction after at the end of episode 3 a far more dramatic scene (why would *she* look positively shocked when she saw Shin right after if she doesn't care what he thinks about her romantically?); in episode 4, after briefly "expanding" on that lie in a very dry and fake manner, she proceeded to try to apologize to him all episode, and was near tears when Shin returned the favor. All in four episodes. IMO, it doesn't get more obvious than that [well, actually, it does, but True Tears seems like a far more subdued show than the rest of the lot in everything so...].

Otherwise, great show. I was having a romance/visual novel adaptation overload after last season, but I don't regret it at all that I made an exception for this one. That is, except for having to wait week-for-week for the next installment.

Aiko is off limits to shin as most people mention and i have to agree. AikoxNobuse is steaming up, i dont see shin's character getting involve and making the situation complicated.

What did shin's mom mean when she said "reminds me of your moms eyes" to hiromi?

yeah, EVERYTHING is on Aiko's hands! Shin won't make a move on her because like you said she is "off limit". The only thing I really want is a flash back of how the hell she ended in that situation.
there has to be a flash back or something that tells us how it happened. during the first three first episodes I really thought that Nobuse was just taking it for granted that Aiko was his girfriend, but with the "hook up" thing I have been convinced that she is kind of his girlfriend and it must be a very recent thing because they are still in their first date and seems they are not even in the holding hands stage!

I'm still hoping for Shin x Hiromi, though I suppose that puts me in the minority. I just don't see Noe filling that role in his life, and I've always had a soft spot for the damaged, tragic heroines like Hiromi. There's something quite tender and beautiful in the way Shin longs to protect Hiromi when he sees the way his mother treats her.

There has got to be a deep painful history between Shin's mom and Hiromi's mom, or else Shin's mom wouldn't be so detested with Hiromi. Adultery? Rivals? Something involving Hiromi's parents death? I don't know but I'm rather curious to where all this hate she has is coming from.

this show came out of nowhere for me, picked it up thinking it would be something totally different, and i think it s going to replace KGNE as my favorite romance anime. There is still a 8ish episode before it ends but if it keeps up and if the ending is living up to what we are seeing so far we are heading toward a very good anime. it s been a long while since i have been waiting for the next episode of an anime and concidering having to wait a whole week is too long.

I only had the time to watch the first part of eps4 but hiromi is either very good at building story about #4 or she really is in love with #4 it s still strange that she hasnt said his name yet thou.
so far i m not really sure if hiromi is the result of an affaire or not, but if we assume she is hidding her feelings for shinichiou the comment "you have the same eye/look as your mother" may means that her mother loved shin's father but keept it to herself and only shin's mother sensed it and concidered it a threat to her wedding.
Ai seems to be a nice girl.
i also wonder if noe can concider shin as someone she could love instead of someone that accept her as she is reguardless of how strange she acts. it seems her relation with shin is bound to stay as friendship so far the only 2 romances i can see are ai/shin and hiromi/shin

sorry if those point have been discussed already havent had the time to read page 27~31 yet.

i also wonder if noe can concider shin as someone she could love instead of someone that accept her as she is reguardless of how strange she acts. it seems her relation with shin is bound to stay as friendship so far the only 2 romances i can see are ai/shin and hiromi/shin

sorry if those point have been discussed already havent had the time to read page 27~31 yet.

I hope you are right, because Noe is the best candidate for Shin. Aiko is trapped in her relationship with Nobuse! I keep repeating myself but I hope they really tells us how she ended in that situation.